Aidan’s Progress – Update

Hello. First of all, I am fine and enjoying a normal life (be it with a few minor rules or hassles such as no sashimi or natto). Sorry for such a long silence but I have simply been busy getting on with things. I started working on a part-time basis last April. It was good to get out again but quite hard physically at first. Slowly my condition perked up and I will be working a bit more in the new academic year this April.

The biggest fear was my lungs. After a bout of pneumonia last February I was left with reduced lung capacity and suspected bronchiolitis obliterans. There was even talk of going for a lung transplant. I am very, very happy to say that I seem to be recovering and while I am not out jogging or playing tennis I am able to walk and cycle. Everyday begins here at the aptly named Makekirai Jinja.

The steps to Makekirai Jinja (or the Hate-Losing” or “I’m-not-going-to-lose” Shrine

It is only one step at a time but everything is going in the right direction.

Recently every week seems to have one anniversary or another. It is exactly 3 years since my initial diagnosis. It seems like a lifetime ago. Here I am on my way to check in at the hospital with my son who was then just weeks shot of turning two.

Feb 2011 Train to Ashiya (because the car broke down too!)

Here we are today.

Much more of a handful now. Feb 2014

He will be five very soon. He is home this week because the flu is doing the rounds at his kindergarten. As my immune system is still very weak I must take care not to catch anything like the flu (or even a cold, Rubella, Chicken Pox or any childhood disease as it would be no laughing matter for me. We don’t want him bringing anything home so he has to stay home. Hopefully my immune system will be up to speed by next winter but for now it is still very weak.

I got a shock recently when I had a Rubella jab (I must have all the inoculations against childhood diseases again as my body is a clean slate and I will come down with them once more). On the form, when it asked if I was suffering from any condition at present, I wrote “No.” The haematologist laughed, shook his head and reminded me that I did have a condition. He then wrote “AML” on the form. Ah, yes, I may feel on top of the world but will not be out of the woods for at least three years after the transplant.

In the meantime I am just enjoying life. Hopefully you are too. Time for another walk – a bit colder today!